Tutorials: Sampling & sample shipment

1. Sampling: What do I have to consider and how should the sample be taken?

When taking samples, primary care should be taken to minimize the release of potentially asbestos-containing dusts. Cross-contamination due to multiple use of the same tool for different materials should also be avoided. Thorough cleaning of the tools can counteract mixing. More information on sampling and sample shipment.

The sample quantities required for an analysis depend on the type and homogeneity of the materials. The previous area of application also plays a role.

• In the case of a homogeneous material (such as fiber cement or PVC flooring), a sample volume of approx. 1 cm3 or a small area of approx. 1 cm2 may be sufficient for an analysis.
• In the case of materials installed over a large area (e.g. tile adhesives, grouts and fillers), an area of 10 cm2 or more should be taken.
• In the case of heterogeneous materials (such as screed, plaster or fillers), 250 cm3 may be required for a reliable analysis result.

More information on sampling and sample shipment can be found here.

Procedure for the (semi-quantitative) analysis according to VDI 3877

• An area of at least 1 cm2 of the sampling medium must be covered.
• To examine a dust deposit, the sampling medium is pressed with the adhesive side onto the area to be sampled and carefully removed from it. The medium may only be pressed once onto the area to be sampled in order to ensure a clear assignment to the sampling point. Sliding movements should be avoided when taking the contact sample.
• The adhesive tape is then transferred to the transport container. Transparent round containers with a diameter of approx. 70 mm and a height of at least 10 mm have proven to be suitable. The adhesive tape is stuck to the bottom of the can after bending the two ends so that the sampled area is facing upwards. The tape is then pressed down so far that there is no contact with the lid that is subsequently fitted.

Procedure for (qualitative) testing in accordance with VDI 3866, Sheet 5

• Sampling with commercially available adhesive tape (Sellotape or similar)
• Areas up to 20 cm2 can be covered, multiple sampling of neighboring dust deposits with adhesive tape is also possible.
• As the applied adhesive tape with all adhering dust particles is incinerated in the laboratory and the (mineral) ash is examined as a scattering preparation, the adhesive tape can be stuck together for transportation.